Restless Symphony: Meet Tassama Franklyn

Six Southampton Solent University students have come together to form Restless Symphony, an up-and-coming a capella group set to appear in BBC 2′s The Naked Choir with Gareth Malone. We caught up with group member Tassama Meshach Franklyn to find out more about the man behind the voice.

What talents do you bring to the table?

Singer, comedian, actor (just don’t ask me to sit still), can do accents and voices, used to play the sax.

Who are your music icons/inspirations?

Michael Jackson for to his stage presence, Eric Benét because of his amazing vocal range and John legend because of his tone and lyrics.

Why do you love to sing?

Singing is one of the best ways to express yourself through melody on a global scale. There is a song for every mood and scenario. Growing up in a very musical household and church it was something that was introduced to me at a very young age. I even started walking to music…

Why a cappella?

A cappella music is the hardest most challenging type of music. It tests the ability to harmonise and be creative with a song. Having so much creative freedom is what drew me to a cappella music, and I have always wanted to be part of an a cappella group; just didn’t expect to be the ONLY guy!

What makes Restless Symphony so special?

We are a group of students of different ages and walks of life that have been brought together due to our mutual love of music. We are strange, crazy and full of energy, with a constant yearning to learn and improve. Plus, let’s be honest, we’re easy on the eye!

What song do you think best describes you and why?

‘I am changing’ by Jennifer Hudson. There was a time when I built walls to avoid being hurt, which caused me to lose a lot of friendships and relationships with people that I wish I hadn’t. This song describes the struggle I had to go through before I saw the light and finally opened up to people. The message behind the song is basically, in order for you to be truly happy you have to break down those invisible barriers and in turn people will accept you for who you are.

What do you love most about your course and Solent?

The lecturers! They are amazing; they bring their own experience from being in the industry and combine that with the skills that we need to make it outside of uni. They give us the tools and the means and constant opportunities to get out into the real world and make our own memories, which I’m truly grateful for.

What I love about Solent is the fact that no matter where you’re from or what you do there is always a place for you and advice and guidance for any and every thing.

Best piece of advice given so far?

Everything will be okay in the end; if it’s not okay, it’s not the end!

What are you aspirations for the future?

I want to be a teacher, I want to be able to give the future generations the opportunities that I have been given to make something of myself. I would also love to make a name for Restless Symphony in the music industry; headline in huge venues, performing for the masses.